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Korea DPR have emerged champions of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain.
The final, held at Santo Domingo’s Felix Sanchez Stadium, Dominican Republic ended 1-1 in regular time.
The opening exchanges saw Korea DPR’s goalkeeper Pak Ju-gyong immediately called into action to deny Spain’s Celia Segura. Both teams, however, soon settled into a more cautious play, as the first half proved a cagey one.
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Spain’s Alba Cerrato and captain Pau Comendador managed shots on goal. Meanwhile, Korea DPR’s head coach, Song Sung-gwon made an early tactical change, substituting Choe Il-son for Ho Kyong. This shift nearly paid off, as Kyong almost capitalised on a rare Spanish defensive error.
In the second half, Spain took the lead when Comendador skillfully created space on the left, sending a low cross that found Segura, who calmly slotted the ball home.
However, Korea DPR responded swiftly with a direct attack. A well-timed ball over the top reached Jon Il-chong, who rounded Spain’s keeper Laia Lopez before scoring from a tight angle to equalise.
As the clock ticked down, both teams pushed for a winner. Pak again proved invaluable for Korea DPR, producing another save to deny Cerrato. Despite mounting pressure from both sides, neither could find a decisive goal, sending the final into a penalty shootout.
In the tense shootout, Korea DPR converted four of their five penalties, ultimately prevailing 4-3. Pak’s heroics continued, making a pivotal save to secure her side’s victory. This win marks Korea DPR’s record third U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
Tags: Korea DPR, Spain, Jon Il-chong, Pak Ju-gyong, Celia Segura, Alba Cerrato, Pau Comendador, Santo Domingo, Felix Sanchez Stadium, Dominican Republic, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, #U17WWC, #FIFAU17WWC, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports, #nrtcnews.
